After any motor vehicle accident, minor or major, it is normal to be disoriented and extremely shaken. The combination of fear, anger, and pain all make it difficult to think clearly. Being in such a compromising situation not only makes getting through the next few hours hard, but it also places you at risk of making crucial mistakes that could affect you in the future. Immediately following any motor vehicle accident, it is important to gather the information that proves you are not at fault for the accident while making sure your representatives will be able to locate the other driver in the future. Even if the other driver does not immediately leave the scene of the accident, if you do not know what information to obtain at an accident scene, you run the risk of having the liable party disappear, leaving you or your insurer stuck paying all of the associated bills.
One of the very first things you or someone with you should do is exchange driver’s license information with the other driver. Today approximately 91% of all adults have cell phones, meaning you or someone with you should have access to a phone that takes pictures. Take a clear picture of the other person’s driver’s license and if they refuse to let you take a picture of it, discreetly made a video recording of the refusal, and then wait for the police. Never get into an argument with the other driver, and when the police arrive, ask the officer if you can exchanger license information with the other driver, having the officer facilitate the exchange.
If at all possible, take a picture of the vehicle’s license plate number, especially if you believe the other driver is not going to wait for the police to arrive. There are times when a driver who does not have a valid driver’s license, has a criminal background or warrants or does not have any insurance will flee the scene of the accident instead of risking arrest. Having a picture of the vehicle’s license plate number to give the police will make it easier to track down the vehicle’s owner and the person who was responsible for the accident.
Even though the ability to identify the person who operated the vehicle that hit you and the person who was driving it is extremely important, witnesses can sometimes make a huge difference in the outcome of your claim. Always get the contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident. Ask those around you for their names, telephone numbers, and email addresses so that you or your representative can get in contact with them in the future.
Once you have received the emergency medical care you need, reach out to a personal injury attorney who can handle your case for you while you recover from your accident. Morris Law are able to provide you with the aggressive representation you need to quickly resolve your case. We can handle your accident case through each stage of the claim, allowing you to focus on healing. Call Morris Law today at (864) 679-9999 to schedule a consultation so that we can discuss your needs.
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